Some 1,250 Buddhist monks took part in a beautiful candlelit ceremony at the Wat Phra Dhammakaya temple in Pathum Thani province, north of Bangkok, to mark Makha Bucha Day.
The important festival honours Buddha and his teachings, and falls on the full moon day of the third lunar month. It commemorates a day when 1,250 monks gathered to be ordained by the Buddha.
Buddhist monks walk between two rows of candles at the Wat Phra Dhammakaya temple in Pathum Thani provinceDamir Sagolj/ReutersThousands of believers join Buddhist monks praying at the Wat Phra Dhammakaya temple in Pathum Thani provinceDamir Sagolj/Reuters1, 250 Buddhist monks with candles sit in formation on the steps of the Wat Phra Dhammakaya templeDamir Sagolj/ReutersA Buddhist monk prays during a ceremony at the Dhammakaya Temple, north of BangkokNicolas Asfouri/AFPA Buddhist monk prays at the Wat Phra Dhammakaya templeDamir Sagolj/ReutersBuddhist monks prepare for an alms offering ceremony at the Wat Phra Dhammakaya temple in Pathum Thani province, north of BangkokDamir Sagolj/ReutersDamir Sagolj/ReutersA Buddhist monk arrives at the Wat Phra Dhammakaya temple in Pathum Thani province, north of BangkokDamir Sagolj/ReutersNicolas Asfouri/AFPDamir Sagolj/ReutersNicolas Asfouri/AFP
The Dhammakaya temple members include some of Thailand's most powerful politicians and is regarded as the country's richest Buddhist temple.
Makha Bucha ceremonies were also held at other Buddhist temples in Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia.
Buddhists carry candles while circling a temple during Makha Bucha Day in Nonthaburi province, on the outskirts of BangkokChaiwat Subprasom/ReutersBuddhists carry candles while circling a temple during Makha Bucha Day at Nonthaburi province, on the outskirts of BangkokChaiwat Subprasom/ReutersBuddhists holding candles encircle a large Buddha statue during Makha Bucha Day at a temple in Nakhon Pathom province on the outskirts of BangkokAthit Perawongmetha/Reuters
